For over a decade now, Yaku Japanese Grill located at The Podium Mall in Ortigas has been dishing out reasonably priced Japanese cuisine with impressive quality to boot. Japanese restaurants in Manila are aplenty but great profusion does not always commensurate to the assurance that everything will be well worth neither your money nor your time. Thanks to our friends from Zodio for organizing an intimate dinner at Yaku as it introduced me to the fact that Yaku Japanese Grill restaurant is one of those who are worth it.
Yaku Japanese Grill joined the numbers of restaurants at The Podium Mall in the early 2000. It started as a yakitori place and then eventually expanded their menu and turned into a full blown Japanese restaurant. The word "Yaku" is a Japanese word which means grill, hence their specialty.
With expertise on grilled Japanese food on its helm, Yaku, up to this day, still serves yakitori alongside variety of Japanese goodies such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, donburi, teppanyaki, and more. Although tucked in an unassuming corner with a gigantic pillar of a post blocking its façade, Yaku is definitely one of those you should not miss when craving for authentic Japanese cuisine.
Choosing from an impressive list of yakitori items could be a tad overwhelming especially for the first timers. Hence, their Yaku Platter (Php205) can be a good option as it features variety of yakitori. A platter includes Negima (chicken with onion leeks), Okura (grilled okra), Uzura (grilled quail eggs), Asparamaki (grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon), Butabara (grilled pork belly), and Gindara (grilled cod fish topped with ponzu oroshi). Each yakitori carries the distinct flavor of each component made all the more palatable with the touch of smokiness to it.
It may be enticing to indulge ruthlessly on all yakitori in one go but Yaku's sushi, maki, and sashimi are well worth trying out too. A serving of Nigiri Moriawase (Php245) can be a good option just like the Yaku Platter, that is if you are a sucker for variety.
Ala carte or individual servings on the other hand is also available if one is up for a more more lingering treat for the palate. One couldn't go wrong with Yaku's California Maki (Php139) for its thick cut serving added with a flair of iceberg lettuce. Spicy Tuna Maki (Php155) is a thing of beauty, yes. But this innocent looking serving of a roll holds a spunk, the kind of spicy kick that slowly progress as it lingers on your palate. I had one piece, and considering that I am not big on spicy food, it was one helluva ride. And I enjoyed it.
Yaku's Maguro Sashimi (Php245) was equally delightful. Thick enough to let the distinct taste of the freshness of the tuna to shine through.
Yaku's Gyoza (Php120) is as good as the classic gets. Steamed then fried not just to achieve the golden brown color on the wrapper, but to lend a slightly crisp texture to it as well. The filling I deemed good enough to enjoy on its own with the slight crunch of the covering, but a dip or two to its sauce wouldn't hurt either.
The Aspara Bacon (Php109) in all its simplicity was a delightful addition to our feast. I appreciate the apparent thickness of the bacon compare to the usual limp and just plain sad asparagus-bacon combination I usually have in other restaurants.
My apparent love for uni drive me into having a serving of Yaku's Uni Sashimi (Php229). It may not be the best I have ever had but it does not mean that it's not good. It had the silky texture that I love in my sea urchin and it was fresh enough for my liking.
I am not sure what is up with me and a bowl of Chirashi but truth be told, it's a default choice in most of my Japanese restaurant trips for years now. It could be the aesthetics, but then again there is more to it than its mere beauty. Yaku's Chirashi (Php329) was not just a thing of beauty, it's hefty servings was a beautiful reminder of the sea flirting with my palate.
I could name a few favorite Japanese restaurants that serves mean tempura and after having tried Yaku's Ebi Tempura(Php249), it instantly bagged a spot on my list. Its crisp batter was flavorful on its own while the shrimps boasts of its gigantic size.
Everything on the table was a feast in itself that no rice seems necessary. But if it's as good as Yaku's Yakimeshi Fried Rice (Php55), it is a sin to decline. Not too oily, but definitely flavorful, this yakimeshi goes perfectly well with the tempura, and almost everything else fried.
I found myself happy and satisfied with my bowl of Chirashi but Yaku's Unagi Don (Php349) was just so good, it blew my mind. The savory sweetness of the eel, plus its slightly crisp and soft texture were perfect. It definitely is one of the reasons why I will go back at Yaku.
I found their Shisomaki (Php129/3 pcs.) rather familiar at a glance. It reminded me of the chicken skewer wrapped in grape leaves that we cook at home. The only difference is that Yaku uses sisho leaf or perilla which has a minty taste and smell to it.
Since I am a sucker for anything tofu as long as it's well executed, Yaku's Tofu Steak (Php159) was an instant favorite. Simple albeit flavorful and generous in servings.
Kisu Amiyaki (Php175) was another dish that was equally impressive. The combination of deep fried sillago fish and its savory sweet sauce with crisp garlic flakes was surprisingly pleasant to the palate. It could be eaten with a heaving bowl of steamed rice and it can also be paired well with a serving or two of sake or any beer for that matter.
Fruit platter (Php65) for a dessert is always a good option, but the feast we had called for an equally indulging dessert so we also had coffee jelly (Php69) and wasabi ice cream (Php65). The coffee jelly impressed me to the core with its strong coffee taste that was mellowed down by the cream on top. however the wasabi ice cream was not just my cup of tea.
After having tried Yaku Japanese Grill at The Podium I would have to say that it made its way to my favorite Japanese restaurants in Manila list. Everything I have tried was good if not impressive. The prices are reasonable and the serving portions are just right. I will definitely be back for more.
Yaku Japanese Grill
3/F The Podium Mall
18 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Telephone No.: 687-5368
